Fake monks are using the bracelet scam in San Francisco

If you’ve been to Europe, you likely already know what I’m talking about: the bracelet scam.

You’re walking along the street or sitting in the sunshine. A man or woman comes up to you, puts a bracelet on your wrist with a big smile and then, suddenly, starts demanding money for it.

That scam seems to have crossed the pond, and it’s added a new twist: The people doing it are dressed up like monks.

Stanley Roberts of KRON’s excellent “People Behaving Badly” segment recently did an exploration of the phenomenon. He catches quite a few fake monks in action. After giving their target a beaded bracelet, they ask for a signature on their “peace” petition. Once the target has signed, they’re told to write down their donation. If the target balks, the scammer presses them for cash. And if they don’t have any, they snatch the bracelet back and look for a new target.

The fake monks aren’t just targeting tourists. They’re aiming for anyone on the street. So if you’re in the Union Square or downtown areas, keep your hands in your pockets if you see a suspicious-looking monk, armed with bracelets, coming your way.

Speaking from experience, you can definitely stand your ground. I had a man tie a friendship bracelet tight around my wrist in Italy a few years ago. When he demanded payment for it, I put my hands behind my back and refused to let him take it back. We got in a shouting match, and he decided it wasn’t worth it. He was furious, but I’d won.

Moral of the story: Never let aggressive panhandlers win. Especially when they’re preying on your initial kindness for monetary gain.